Summary
The Centerville Township Board met on March 11, 2026, with Ronald Schaub, Elizabeth Chiles, Katrina Pleva, Jolyn Arens, and Kerry O’Non present. The Board approved prior minutes and financial reports, amended the FY 2025-26 budget, approved Kathy Fordyce as the at-large Cedar Area Fire and Rescue (CAFR) Board member, and agreed to place a renewal of the Fire Operations millage at 2.50 mills on the August ballot. The Annual Meeting was set for March 21, 2026.
Public Comments
At the start of the meeting, there were no public comments. At the end of the meeting, resident Bill Rastetter asked about the Annual Meeting and requested a copy of the proposed budget. He also voiced support for submitting grants for planning projects addressing environmental concerns of Lake Leelanau. No board response was recorded.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Commissioner Alan Campbell encouraged Centerville Township to apply for the county’s 2% grant for parks and environmental projects, noting information is available on the Grand Traverse Band website. The budget review also noted that the contract for services for the parks has increased.
Infrastructure Projects
Solon and Centerville Townships are pursuing options to upgrade or replace the Fire Department building, following an evaluation report on the fire station sent to Board members; a merger of townships was discussed as a possible path forward.
Other Business
Commissioner Campbell reported on a child care voucher initiative, two grant submissions for the 2% grant, renewal of the senior citizen millage, and an upcoming appointment of a new Drain Commissioner to serve until November. The Clerk will contact Gabridge and Co. to prepare for the upcoming audit. CAFR reported the 2012 ambulance will be sold, CPR classes will begin for the public, and the Fire Chief will attend the April meeting instead of the Annual Meeting. Northgate is due back in court March 16, 2026, regarding a dismissal request by Township attorneys. The Planning Commission had no minutes available; there is no group discount for the MTA Conference, but training funds are budgeted.
Financial Summary
The Treasurer’s report was accepted 5-0; a CD matured, and the 2025 Tax Settlement will go to the County Treasurer soon. The Board approved paying bills as presented, 5-0 (legal bill from Jen Cram not yet received). The FY 2025-26 budget was amended 5-0 to transfer unallocated surplus funds to departments in deficit; about $80,000 was used within the budget for legal fees, with increases needed for election workers (two general elections and one school election this year) and FICA expenses. The draft FY 2026-27 budget is about $3,000 short; the Board agreed on the proposed budget pending Annual Meeting approval. The Fire Operations millage renewal of 2.50 mills for 2026-2027 is projected to raise an estimated $418,250 in its first year.
Action Items
- Pleva to consult a QuickBooks expert on procedures for transferring budget savings.
- Chiles to contact Gabridge and Co. regarding audit requirements.
- Board to review and accept the FY 2026-27 budget after the March 21, 2026 Annual Meeting.
- Fire millage renewal language to proceed to the August election ballot.
- Northgate court proceeding scheduled for March 16, 2026.
- CAFR Chief to attend the April 6, 2026 meeting (5:00 p.m., changed due to Spring Break) instead of the Annual Meeting.